We make use of cosmetics and perfumes in an effort to improve our appearance … but sometimes the outcome is not what we wanted!

Risks of irritations and allergies

The best known side effects associated with the use of cosmetics are those that occur with skin problems (Dermatitis, rashes, redness, burning, itching, etc..); in predisposed individuals some particularly aggressive substances can cause irritations and allergies.

If you are a person predisposed to allergies or have sensitive skin, make sure that there’s none of those substances in the products you buy. Pay particular attention to cosmetic products of which you are unsure of the origin, they may contain high concentrations of irritants or allergens.

The risk of irritation/allergies is greater if you apply the product on a not perfectly intact skin.

LIST OF ALLERGENIC SUBSTANCES

26 substances mainly used in the perfumes

Alphaisomethyl ionone

Amyl cinnamal

Amylcinnamyl alcohol

Anise alcohol

Benzyl alcohol

Benzyl benzoate

Benzyl cinnamate

Benzyl salicylate

Butylphenyl methylpropional

Cinnamal

Cinnamyl alcohol

Citral

Citronellol

Coumarin

Eugenol

Evernia furfuracea

Evernia prunastri

Farnesol

Geraniol

Hexyl cinnamal

Hydroxyisohexyl 3cyclohexene carboxaldehyde

Hydroxycitronellal

Isoeugenol

Limonene

Linaool

Methyl 2octynoate

USEFUL LINKS!

On the ABC Cosmetics, you can find an in-depth section on the subject, as well as some useful tips on how to behave if ever have a undesired reaction due to the use of a cosmetic.

The European Commission has established the guidelines that countries belonging to the UE should follow when reporting of serious adverse reactions from cosmetics (SUE=Serious Undesiderable Effect).